By Chris Alu
Stakeholders from the information technology sector gathered yesterday to support the establishment of the Federal Institute of Technology in Ikpoba–Okha, Edo State.
This initiative was spotlighted during a one-day public hearing organized by the House of Representatives Committee on Science and Technology, chaired by Alhaji Zakariya Tijanni Zannah at the National Assembly, Abuja.
Representatives from the Ministry of Science and Technology, National Board for Technological Incubation (NOTAB), Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), and the Industrial Training Fund were present to voice their support.
Chairman Hon. Zakariya Tijanni explained that the public hearing aimed to gather inputs from stakeholders to enhance the acceptance of the proposed institution. He emphasized that the bill would foster knowledge, research, and innovation in information technology, ultimately benefiting youth through wealth creation and skill development.
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas PhD, represented by Hon. Prof. Paul Nnamchi, affirmed the bill’s importance in today’s society. He noted that stakeholder contributions would bolster economic growth, competitiveness, and employment opportunities while enhancing the growth of information technology and manpower development for the youth.
Sponsor of the bill, Hon. Murphy Osaro Omoruyi of the Labour Party, representing Egor/Ikpoba-Okha Federal Constituency of Edo State, stated that the institute would address 21st-century technological challenges.
He highlighted the potential for cutting-edge research, improved access to higher education, and job creation in modern science and technology.
Omoruyi further explained that the institution would offer a range of programs from diploma to post graduate degree levels, fostering productivity and wealth generation while promoting local production and global competitiveness for investors and markets in Edo State and Nigeria in general.
After a thorough debate on the merits of the Bill by cross section of the stakeholders and developmental partners, the committee chairman resolved to gather their contributions back to the House for further legislative action, and eventually referred to Mr. President for his assent.
